Tee Higgins Cleared to Play Towards Payments After Concussion Restoration

CINCINNATI — One of many Bengals‘ greatest offensive gamers will probably be again this weekend.

Huge receiver Tee Higgins has cleared the concussion protocol and will probably be absolutely out there for Cincinnati’s highway recreation in opposition to the Buffalo Payments, he mentioned Friday.

Higgins has been out since he suffered a concussion within the workforce’s Week 12 loss in opposition to New England on Nov. 23. After clearing that hurdle Friday, Higgins is keen to go well with up once more — particularly with Ja’Marr Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow.

“It has been a minute, man,” Higgins mentioned. “I am positively trying ahead to it. It is going to be nice.”

Higgins acknowledged how scary the damage has been. Towards the Patriots, Higgins went up for a deep go down the precise sideline. Higgins’ head smacked in opposition to the turf at Paycor Stadium as he was unable to make the catch. He was on the turf for a number of minutes earlier than being carted again into the locker room.

“Any head damage is frightening for anyone,” Higgins mentioned. “Thank God I can play once more this weekend and hold taking part in for the remainder of the season.”

The sixth-year participant out of Clemson ramped up his development over the course of the week. He was a restricted participant Wednesday earlier than having a full slate of observe reps Thursday. Higgins detailed the protocol course of as he labored his method again.

“It was simply getting by way of concussion protocol, seeing how I am feeling with understanding, working routes and issues like that,” Higgins mentioned. “So it is principally all simply on me, see how I am feeling after which passing these exams as effectively.”

After Friday’s observe on the workforce’s indoor bubble, Higgins mentioned he felt nice.

He’ll give the Bengals (4-8) a lift forward of Sunday’s crucial showdown in opposition to Buffalo (8-4). Cincinnati is at present two video games again of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the division lead and can seemingly must win out to have a shot of clinching the AFC North title and the automated playoff berth.

Sunday will mark the primary time Higgins, Chase and Burrow will probably be on the sphere on the similar since Week 2, when Burrow suffered a turf toe damage that sidelined him for 9 video games. In Burrow’s first contest again, the Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens to finish a four-game shedding streak and hold their playoff hopes mathematically afloat.

The Bengals have made a major long-term funding into that trio. In March, Chase and Higgins inked long-term offers with the membership. Chase signed a four-year deal value $161 million, which is the NFL report for a large receiver. Higgins earned a three-year deal value $115 million.

In 11 video games this season, Higgins has 40 catches for 575 yards and 7 touchdowns.